Originally filmed in November 2001, this short video shows an extremely rare and ancient Japanese Geisha Dance as performed in Niigata, Japan. Such performances like this one are very rarely done anymore.


This movie is part of the collection: Community Video

Producer: Rob Pongi
Audio/Visual: sound, color
Language: Japanese
Keywords: music video; music; dance; Japanese Geisha; Niigata; Japan

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Reviewer: robpongi - - October 31, 2011
Subject: Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching, but unfortunately you are both wrong and these are, in fact, bonafide Japanese geisha. I know the family who employs them. The reason they did not wear any makeup was because this performance was for a wedding. These Geisha entertain other groups in full makeup and traditional kimono etc. but not for weddings. Especially for weddings of their employer's family.

Reviewer: david.m.merchant - - September 1, 2010
Subject: Not a Geisha Dance: it's Awa Odori
This is not a geisha dance. While not a daily occurrence, it is most certainly not rare. And it is seen on TV: while vacationing with in-laws in Date City, Fukushima prefecture, mid August this year I watched the major, annual, Awa Dance Festival on TV (held from 12 to 15 August annually as part of the Obon festival in Tokushima Prefecture). Local Awa Dance festivals are broadcast on local TV, in addition to demonstrations of Awa Odori or documentaries.

The dance originated in the Awa prefecture during the Edo period. It actually began as a protest dance (something like the Brazilian Capoeira dance) by farmers and peasants against heavy taxes.

The previous reviewer is correct: a geisha would never dance without her makeup. Never. Nor would geishas wear a peasant's head covering.

I give this two stars: if it wasn't so badly misinformed, it would be 4 stars.

Reviewer: kevinjapan - - October 25, 2007
Subject: Nope. Not a Geisha Dance
This is called Sado Okesa. It's the traditional dance of Sado Island. My wife was laughing about this video (She's Japanese). In fact, we don't believe these are authentic Geisha.

It's unbelievable for Geisha to be performing without their makeup.

Unfortunately, it looks like the person that made this video has been had.

One thing is right the dances are Japanese though. And the people their are clearly Japanese.

Credits

Entirely filmed and edited by Rob Pongi. Copyright (c) 2005 Rob Pongi.